Summer Travel Guide – New Orleans Family Vacations

Looking for something a little different for Summer Family Vacation 2009? Tired of Disneyland, Universal Studios, New York, D.C., California and boring same-old cruises, or just don’t want to stomach the cost? It’s time to expand your and your family’s horizons, then, with a family vacation to New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the most exciting places there is!

Fascinating history, unrivaled energy, lively personality, world-renowned attractions, stop-worthy sights and, of course, the food (are you noticing a pattern?), New Orleans has entertainment opportunities on par with anywhere else in the country if you only know where to look!

Where do you look, then? Glad you asked. Here are some of our favorite things to do with family in New Orleans: 

• Audubon Zoo – #10 on our Heisman Trophy-winning article “The Top 10 Zoos in America“, the Audubon Zoo is truly a world-class institution blending impressive animal exhibits with historic grounds that have an effortless charm.
• Aquarium of the Americas – Equally renowned, and rebounding in a big way post-Katrina, the Aquarium of the Americas is a kid-favorite with tanks featuring the aquatic wildlife of North and South America (love the Jellyfish exhibit!)
• Mardi Gras World – Weird, and weirdly awesome! Mardi Gras World is the actual manufacturing facility where Blaine Kern Studios produces around 80% of the floats, costumes and decorations that visitors see during Mardi Gras. Tours offer the chance to see the floats being built as well as learn about the classic Big Easy holiday and the studios.
• Voodoo Tours – We actually featured these folks months ago. New Orleans Haunted History Tours put on a number of fantastic programs, from haunted gardens to cemeteries, but this time it’s all about the Voodoo Tour. Learn about real practitioners and visit real-life ritual altars.
• Riverboat Cruises – Take a scenic cruise of the Mississippi on a historic paddleboat.
• Swamp Tours – Brimming with creepy-crawly wildlife and absolutely boy-approved, swamp boat tours give an up-close-and-personal look at this dynamic environment.
• The Food! – From family-run shops to fine dining Meccas, New Orleans is a food-lovers paradise, and you’d be a fool not to dive into this incredible culinary culture. Sample all the staples: fried seafood (esp. oysters), po-boys, muffaletta, red beans and rice, beignets, gumbo, jambalaya. For a special meal, head to Commander’s Palace. Not only is the food fantastic, but it’s the first place my wife ever got upchuck-drunk, so there is, how you say, sentimental value.

For lodging, we always like to stay in the French Quarter. The location is perfect to just about anywhere you want to be, and there’s just so much history to enjoy. For hotels in New Orleans, Louisiana, we’ve got a couple recommendations: 

• Chateau LeMoyne – This historic hotel in the heart of the French Quarter offers boutique accommodations and comely décor that are sure to add a little something to any New Orleans family vacation.
• Holiday Inn French Quarter Hotel – Keep it simple with an affordable hotel in the French Quarter that won’t leave you wanting.

Summer family vacations are a big decision, so go somewhere where they make “big” easy. Have a fun summer!

Got more summer family vacations ideas? Let us know in the comments below or visit our “Summer Family Vacation Guide“.

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